CDC Behavioral Sciences Fellowship

A complete application consists of:

• An application
• Transcripts – Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• One educational or professional recommendation. Your application will be considered incomplete, and will not be reviewed until one recommendation is submitted.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

If you have questions, send an email to ORISE.CDC.NCHHSTP@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

An opportunity is currently available in the Division of Tuberculosis Elimination (DTBE), within the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

The mission of the Division of Tuberculosis Elimination (DTBE) is to promote health and quality of life by preventing, controlling, and eventually eliminating tuberculosis in the United States. DTBE’s goal is to reduce TB morbidity in the United States with a particular focus on reducing disparities in TB morbidity among disproportionately affected groups, including foreign-born persons and racial and ethnic minorities. This research opportunity will provide the participant with an educational experience in behavioral science related to tuberculosis disease and latent tuberculosis infection. 

Behavioral and social science research has the potential to make a tremendous impact on TB elimination efforts. This research is needed to 1) understand how behaviors of both patients and providers affect TB-related care seeking, diagnosis, treatment success, and prevention; and 2) understand how other social, cultural, and environmental influences affect health seeking and treatment outcomes related to TB and LTBI.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be involved in the following activities:

• Contributing to formative research efforts and communications for behavioral change
• Participating in the development of question guides and protocols for key informant interviews and focus groups
• Transcribing interview and focus group discussions
• Preparing transcripts for qualitative data analysis
• Participating in data analyses
• Contributing to the drafting and reviewing of internal documents and reports
• Presenting findings and recommendations at national forums and in peer-reviewed journals
• Supporting message testing efforts around tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis infection testing and treatment for high risk groups
• Participating in Branch and Team meetings
• Maintaining communication with project leaders

The learning objectives for this opportunity include:

• Behavioral and Social Science knowledge – Understand the behavioral, social, and cultural factors that influence health
• Needs Assessment skills – Collaborate with stakeholders to gather and analyze information to identify needs and to determine available assets
• Data collection skills – Design methods and tools to collect valid and reliable qualitative and quantitative information
• Research Dissemination – Present findings to appropriate scientific colleagues and stakeholders to inform public health programs and policy decisions

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and CDC. The initial appointment can be up to one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of CDC contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at CDC in the Atlanta, Georgia, area. Participants do not become employees of CDC, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

The qualified candidate should have received a master's degree in one of the relevant fields.  Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills:

• Proficiency in collecting and analyzing qualitative data
• Some experience working in a public health or clinical setting
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Communications and Graphics Design (1 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (1 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering (2 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (27 )